Ellwood City Lions Club Honors Winners of “Follow My Leader” Writing Contest

The Ellwood City Lions Club honored the winners of its third annual “Follow My Leader” writing contest on May 24 at the Connoquenessing Country Club.

The first place winner, who was awarded a plaque and a $100 cash prize, was Olivia Morrow. The second place winner, who received a plaque and a $50 cash prize, was Ian Litz.

Morrow, Litz, their parents and Tara Lombardo, teacher from Hartman Elementary, were guests of the Lions at the May 24 meeting. Certificates and $25 cash prizes were awarded to Hunter Rock, Maceo Pesce, Gianna Fotia and Maddy McCommons. All of the winners are students at Hartman Elementary School in Ellwood City.

In the contest, the fifth grade students at Hartman and Holy Redeemer School in Ellwood City read the book “Follow My Leader,” which is the story of an 11-year-old boy who goes blind in an accident and has to learn how to cope with a new way of life, including training with a guide dog, Leader. The students then write an essay inspired by the book and what they took from the story.

Each student participating in the contest received a Braille card, similar to one used by the main character in the story.

The Lions Club would like to acknowledge the support from the administrators and fifth grade teachers at both Hartman Elementary and Holy Redeemer School. The club received support for this year’s project from Loccisano’s Golden Dawn, Nalco, Dr. Arthur Brant and Wesbanco.

More about the contest can be viewed on the Ellwood City Lions’ Facebook page.